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HANS Device marks 25th anniversary of first use

HANS (Head and Neck Support) Performance Products is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the first time its now-mainstream HANS Device was used in racing competition.

Dr. Robert Hubbard invented the HANS Device, which was used in competition for the first time by Jim Downing in the IMSA season finale at Daytona International Speedway on Nov. 30, 1986. It marked the beginning of a safety revolution that likely has saved hundreds of race-car drivers from critical or fatal injuries.

"Drivers don't want to stand out for something that could be construed as overly safe or makes it look like they're worried about getting hurt," Downing said when asked about his first race wearing the HANS Device. "It was a bit awkward. I looked a lot different than the rest of the drivers and they must have been wondering, 'What in the world is Downing up to now?' The Model 1 HANS was a bit bulky and wrapped around the sides of the helmet. So it really stood out."

More than 130,000 HANS Devices have been sold since commercial production began in 1990. But as with many "overnight" sensations, years of work went into making the HANS Device a success. The company's official safety time line, available at hansdevice.com, documents the significant chapters during Downing's and Hubbard's efforts to convince drivers, manufacturers and sanctioning bodies to adopt motor racing's first head-and-neck-restraint system.